Submitted by Brenda Duke
Not many people know that April is National Volunteer Month. I, for one, think that it is important that we honor the people who dedicate themselves to taking action and solving problems in our communities. And there are a lot of them. The donated time and expertise has a value and an economic impact.
One of the greatest aspects of volunteerism is that there are so many different ways to do it, and sometimes, we volunteer without even making conscious recognition of it. For example, helping out at church or coaching your child in soccer. Sometimes we can only fit in one day and we serve food at the local soup kitchen or clean up the local park. These acts all deserve to be applauded. It’s time to say thank you to every person that gives back to their community in their own way.
The first National Volunteer Month was created in 1974. Since 1989, the number of people who volunteer has increased by 60 percent. Not only has the amount of volunteerism increased, but the impact of volunteerism is increasing as well. Meaningful volunteer activities, as well as long-term, skills-based volunteerism is becoming more popular.
So as we celebrate Volunteer Month, let’s recognize those who give of themselves to help others. Let’s motivate others to join the effort. And let’s stay focused on how volunteerism can continue to evolve to bring maximum value to our communities.
Special thanks to volunteer Ken Hirter who collected these stories and photographs.
- Chris & Judy they volunteer because it gets us out and we meet people
- Diana Stephens ~ My son made me do it. (he makes me too Diana!)
- Donna MacNevin ~ I volunteer to help myself.
- Megs volunteers because it makes her feel good
- Kitchen Crew at Welcome Inn Community Centre We love to volunteer because we care about the people!
- Isabella Shields ~ I love volunteering. It’s a two way street. I love people and people like me.
- Maria~I love to volunteer because I like helping people
- I volunteer because I like the people
- Vicky says that volunteering is the best way to meet people.
- Susan Jackson volunteers because she likes giving back.
- Brian ~ I volunteer because I love to do research and I love to write. Sharing that with people makes me feel good.
- Ken ~ I volunteer because I get out of the house and meet new people within the community
- Kit Darling ~ As a member of the Bay Area Book Club, I volunteered to write about the books we read and what we thought of them. We hope that sharing our recommen dations through the Breezes will introduce our neigh bours to books they might never have known about.